British Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with French warplanes in a coordinated attack targeting an underground arms cache in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, identified by intelligence, was thought to be storing arms and explosives, the release indicated, and was situated in hills just above the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several access tunnels down to the depot... preliminary assessments indicate the strike was effective," officials stated.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the attack on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - imposed jihadist rule over significant areas in both Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This strike underscores the UK's leading role, and resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the Middle East," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary stated.
UK warplanes have performed patrols over Syria to "forestall any attempted resurgence" of the group subsequent to its defeat at the battle of Baghuz in 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces participating in this strike for their skill and their courage," Healey commented. "They were part of thousands of UK service members deployed over the holidays. This action, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are prepared to act, all year round, ensuring Britain's security domestically and strong abroad."
Last December, the United States armed forces conducted what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting IS targets in the country, following an attack killed two US troops and a civilian interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The U.N. estimates Islamic State still has roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in Syria and Iraq.
